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June 23, 2010

"Sundance" 5th Anniversary Kit

Thank you for all the kind comments and e-mails you've sent this month. I'm really proud that my small business has so many awesome knitters supporting it- you're the reason I've succeeded for the past 5 years and I'm very grateful.

To commemorate SSYC's 5th anniversary, I've created a limited edition kit that includes some of my favorite things: a special edition colorway (with a story of its own) of Pigeonroof Studio's luxurious Siren Two sock yarn, a pattern that compliments this colorway, a piece of celebratory cake in the form of a cute crocheted tape measure, and one more very special piece... a procelain mug, hand thrown, glazed and fired by my husband, ceramic artist Joe Van Zandt.

This mug is similar to the one I drink from every morning, and it's so special to me that I wanted to share it with each one of you. There's nothing quite like relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee while starting a new knitting project, and I wish that relaxing feeling for each of you everytime you take a sip from your mug and make a stitch with your yarn.

The hand thrown porcelain mug is glazed with a pale blue-tinged-gray glaze with a pale buttercream undertone. Each mug is its own little work of art and is unique and special. Each is food, dishwasher and microwave safe and holds around 10 ounces. I've been drinking out of the same mug for almost 10 years, and I hope you get just as much enjoyment out of your mug as I do. And if you fall in love when you open your package and want one or a few more mugs, just e-mail me, 'cuz I bet I can get you moved to the front of the line. Afterall, I have an in with the potter! You are also welcome to view a few more of Joe's pieces here, though it's rare that he has many pieces available on Etsy because they sell quickly here in town. I use a cruet similar to these to water my herbs in my kitchen. I can leave these sitting out on my counter and it is viewed art instead of clutter. Anything that makes my laziness seem planned is a perk for me!

When ordering this kit, please order just the kit and nothing else on the same order. The kits are specially packaged to prevent breakage of the mug (do contact me if your happens to break on the journey), leaving no room for extra items. You are welcome to order other items- just on a separate order.

Because of the handmade nature of the kit, it is limited in number. But I do hope that those of you who want one are able to get one. Once the link stops working, that means the kit is sold out, but you are welcome to e-mail me to be put on a waitlist should there be a few more available.

Comments

I've always wondered where Joe sold his pottery, if you don't mind telling (I love the mug, and since I'm local it probably makes more sense for me to try to find one in town than ask you to ship one to me) Similarly, will he be selling at Covington this weekend? I was thinking about going, and will keep an eye out if he is.

Hi Rachael,
Joe has a few pieces at Firefly Coffee Shop right now, with more on the way b/c they sell really well there. No mugs there right now b/c they sold out. He often sells at the University of St. Francis when they have shows of their professors or the holiday sale in November/December. He also just had pieces for sale at the FW Museum of Art.
But if you want a few mugs, e-mail me at allison@simplysockyarn.com and we can leave them for you at the Firefly to pickup sometime.
He doesn't do local art fairs, but we may be browsing Covington this weekend- thanks for the reminder!
Allison

Congratulations on your five year anniversary - that's a huge accomplishment! I had to buy this kit because the colors are so happy and optimistic...and I'm a sucker for a great yarn with a great story behind it. :) Thanks for your great service and store...here's to many more years doing exactly what you love.

I received my kit last week and absolutely love it. The yarn is so soft and springy and the colors are fabulous. I can't decide whether to do socks or a lovely cowl or a scarf. For now I am just squeezing it and gazing at it admiringly. I love Joe's mug and would love to get more. It really does mean more when you've "met" the person who crafted the mug. Thanks so much for making this available.